Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring and diverse parks in the United States. Both are home to breathtaking landscapes, ranging from rugged coastlines to towering mountains and bubbling geysers. However, despite their similarities, these two parks are incredibly different from each other, each offering unique experiences and adventures for visitors to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a peaceful, serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Olympic National Park is the perfect destination. With its lush green forests, pristine lakes and rivers, and breathtaking coastline, it offers a peaceful, relaxing getaway. On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park is a natural wonderland, full of geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots that are sure to leave you in awe.
So, which park is right for you? Join us as we explore the similarities and differences between Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park, and discover which park is the perfect destination for your next adventure. Whether you’re seeking peace and quiet or an adrenaline rush, these two parks have something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning natural beauty and a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. When it comes to hiking, the trails in each park are quite distinct.
Olympic National Park is known for its lush, temperate rainforest and rugged coastline. The park’s trails range from easy walks along the beach to strenuous backcountry hikes. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Hoh River Trail, which winds through the Hoh Rainforest and offers scenic views of the river. On the other hand, the Seven Lakes Basin hike is a challenging backcountry hike that takes you to a series of alpine lakes surrounded by towering peaks.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Rocky Mountains and is home to a vast network of geysers and hot springs. The park’s trails range from easy, boardwalk-lined walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. A popular and easy hike is the Geyser Hill Loop, which takes you past a number of geysers and hot springs. For a more challenging hike, try the Lonestar Geyser Trail, which takes you to a remote geyser that erupts every three hours.
In conclusion, both Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a strenuous backcountry hike, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs in either park.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge | 4988.954 | 242.9256 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Storm King | 6276.426 | 638.8608 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail | 2574.944 | 77.724 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss | 1609.34 | 23.7744 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Marymere Falls Trail | 2735.878 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh River Trail | 52786.352 | 1558.7472 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop | 30577.46 | 1617.8784 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Ruby Beach | 2253.076 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Staircase Rapids Loop | 3379.614 | 64.9224 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spruce Railroad Trail: Lake Crescent | 18024.608 | 131.9784 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular destinations for wildlife viewing, but the species you will see in each park differ. Olympic National Park is known for its diverse habitats, including temperate rainforests, subalpine meadows, and rugged coastline. These habitats support a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, cougars, elk, and the Olympic marmot. Bird watchers will have a field day in the park, where species like the spotted owl, American dipper, and varied thrush can be seen.
Yellowstone National Park is primarily a high-elevation wilderness area, with habitats ranging from sagebrush-covered hills to alpine tundra. The park is famous for its large mammal population, including bison, elk, moose, and of course, the Yellowstone grizzly bear. Bird species commonly seen in the park include the bald eagle, osprey, and common raven. Yellowstone is also home to a variety of plant species, including wildflowers like the purple lupine, paintbrush, and columbine.
In conclusion, both Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors to Olympic National Park can expect to see a wide variety of species in diverse habitats, while Yellowstone National Park is best known for its large mammal population and bird species.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Olympic National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Barn Swallow | Merlin |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Great Blue Heron | Savannah Sparrow |
| Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
| American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Olympic National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Bobcat |
| Little Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Deer Mouse |
| Black Bear | Raccoon |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Red Fox | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| House Mouse | Red Fox |
| Wolf | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Legged Myotis | House Mouse |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Mountain Lion |
| California Myotis | Mink |
| Snowshoe Rabbit | Mule Deer |
| North American River Otter | Wolf |
| Fringe-Tailed Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Masked Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Water Shrew | Badger |
| Western Big-Eared Bat | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | California Myotis |
Fish
| Olympic National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Steelhead/Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Brown Trout |
| Salish Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Coho Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Chinook Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Longnose Dace | Longnose Dace |
| Speckled Dace | Speckled Dace |
| Threespine Stickleback | Arctic Grayling |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Olympic National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Racer |
| Common Garter Snake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Rubber Boa | Rubber Boa |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Olympic National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Olympic National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most famous and awe-inspiring natural areas in the United States. Both parks boast breathtaking landscapes, mountain ranges, and other natural wonders that draw visitors from around the world.
In Olympic National Park, visitors can explore the park’s lush forests, pristine lakes, and rugged coastline. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is Hurricane Ridge, which offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Other popular natural features in the park include the Hoh Rainforest, the Sol Duc Hot Springs, and the Elwha River.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is home to some of the most famous geothermal features in the world, including the Old Faithful geyser, which erupts on a regular basis. The park also boasts a vast array of landscapes, including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which is known for its stunning views of the Yellowstone River and the surrounding mountains. Other must-see natural wonders in the park include the Midway Geyser Basin, the Norris Geyser Basin, and the Lamar Valley.
Both Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and majesty of nature. Whether you are looking for breathtaking views, rugged landscapes, or geothermal wonders, these two parks are sure to impress.
Things To-Do and Activities in Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wealth of activities to offer visitors. While both parks offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, the focus of this section will be on other popular activities.
At Olympic National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of water-based activities, such as kayaking, rafting, and beachcombing along the rugged coastline. The park is also home to several glistening lakes, including Lake Crescent and Lake Quinault, which offer peaceful settings for fishing and picnicking. In contrast, Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features, including hot springs, geysers, and mudpots. Visitors can explore these features on a variety of guided tours or on their own, and are often treated to spectacular displays of steam and boiling water.
Another popular activity at Yellowstone is wildlife viewing. The park is home to a diverse range of animals, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and pronghorn antelope. Visitors can take guided wildlife tours, or simply keep their eyes peeled while driving through the park. In contrast, Olympic National Park is known for its diverse forest ecosystems, which are home to a range of species, including elk, black bears, and the elusive Olympic marmot.
In conclusion, Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer a wealth of activities for visitors, from water-based activities and wildlife viewing to exploring geothermal features. Whether you are interested in fishing, beachcombing, or observing the wonder of geysers, these two parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique natural beauty and outdoor experiences, but their seasonal weather patterns are quite different.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington state, has a temperate rainforest climate, with the majority of the park receiving over 140 inches of rainfall per year. The park experiences a mild and wet winter and a cool, dry summer. This makes spring and fall the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and the wildflowers and fall foliage are in full bloom.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Rocky Mountains and experiences a much wider range of temperatures and weather patterns. The park receives an average of 80 inches of snowfall per year and temperatures can drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. However, summer is the peak tourist season, with comfortable temperatures, minimal snow, and easy access to the park’s sights and attractions.
The weather at Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park can greatly affect the visitor experience, making it important to plan your trip based on the best time of year to visit. Whether you prefer mild and wet weather, or a wider range of temperatures, both parks offer unique and beautiful experiences for all visitors.
Family Friendliness of Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both parks offer unique experiences and stunning natural beauty, they differ greatly in terms of family-friendliness.
Olympic National Park is a great choice for families with young children, as it offers a variety of easy and accessible trails, such as the trail to Sol Duc Falls, which is only 1.6 miles round trip. Additionally, the park has a number of ranger-led programs that are designed for families and children, such as campfire programs and guided hikes.
On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park is more challenging for families with young children. The park is home to many geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features that can be dangerous for young children. Additionally, some of the trails in the park are steep and strenuous, which can be difficult for small children to handle. However, the park does offer a number of ranger-led programs that are designed for families and children, as well as several easy trails that are perfect for families, such as the boardwalk trail in the geyser basin.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with young children, Olympic National Park is a better choice. The park offers plenty of easy trails and ranger-led programs that are designed specifically for families. However, if you’re up for a challenge and don’t mind a bit of difficulty, Yellowstone National Park is a great option as well.